Sandwell Council has approved a new three-year strategy to improve support and outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP).
The Sandwell SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy 2026-2029 sets out how the council and its partners will deliver earlier intervention, greater inclusion, improved communication with families and better preparation for adulthood. The strategy will run through a phased improvement programme between 2026 and 2029.
Funding and investment
Sandwell has secured £3.3 million from the Department for Education to introduce its Expert at Hand model, giving schools improved access to specialist professionals including educational psychologists, speech and language therapists and SEND specialists. The council has invested an additional £900,000 to strengthen SEND services and improve communication with families and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Four key strategic aims
The strategy focuses on achieving four key outcomes, building on progress already made through Sandwell's SEND Transformation Programme. It follows the recent approval of the borough's SEND Reform Plan by the Department for Education, which outlines how Sandwell will strengthen inclusion in mainstream schools, improve EHCPs, and ensure families receive more consistent support.
Early support through Family Hubs
Further support is being introduced for younger children through Family Hubs, with dedicated Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioners providing targeted support for children aged 0-5 with additional or emerging needs.
Councillor Matt Lloyd, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "This strategy is another important step forward in improving support for children and young people with SEND in Sandwell. We are focused on identifying needs earlier, strengthening support closer to home and improving the experience of children, young people and families."
Councillor Jack Sabharwal, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, added: "At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to inclusion and ensuring that every child can access a high-quality education that meets their needs. We are working closely with schools to develop a consistent whole-school SEND and inclusion offer across Sandwell."
The strategy will be supported by strong governance, performance monitoring and continued engagement with children, young people, families, schools and partners.